Looking Back and Ahead with Coffee Shops and Franchises

By Damian Papworth

While the origins of coffee shops go back some five hundred years, there are few periods in history where their popularity has been greater than in the present time. Coffee houses in Mecca were already a concern to the Imams in the early sixteenth century, indicating that they had been established as centers for gathering for some time. You?ll see similar complaints from English monarchs of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. By the 1960s, coffee houses were places where gatherings -- often music-oriented -- would occur, especially in the U.S.

By fitting a little bit of each century into modern coffee shops, they remain a force to be reckoned with. Two friends can find a quiet place there to have a real conversation, away from the din of the pub. Others go to sample the best coffee in the neighborhood and catch up on some reading. Meanwhile, all of the freelancers and telecommuters enjoy the ability to work with an internet connection and have the same type of social element they left when they gave up on the traditional office environment.

To see the biggest difference in coffee shops, you just have to look into the cup itself. Besides improved techniques in cultivation and storage methods on the production end, improved trade and business practices bring great coffees from the entire world to any place where the airlines go. With some sound research and the willingness to pay for the top shelf coffee, caf? owners can increase their business profile.

If you are an investor looking to get involved with a good business plan, there are few opportunities as encouraging as a coffee franchise. Both domestically and overseas, coffee companies continue to succeed no matter what the economic climate. Coffee appears to be something people will no go without. In fact, the different types of new coffee drinks command prices that are similar to those being charged in a pub. The difference is in the profit margin for coffee drinks and lower labor and licensing costs.

There are a number of spots in any community where a recognized brand could park itself and draw an instant clientele. Taking a brief tour through the main districts in your area will yield a number of potential corners.

The key to starting a successful coffee shop is establishing the right atmosphere. Starting with the right employees and the right management, a caf? will succeed largely on its ambiance. Some live performances and readings might be a good fit for your coffee shop.

If you succeed in setting a good tone in your caf?, you can have a trusted community meeting place on your hands. Customers of all ages will make their way to your door at one time or another.

For franchise owners who can make the coffee shop concept work, the opportunity for other businesses is right behind. The community will see you as a name and brand to trust and the clientele will follow. - 17269

About the Author:

Damian Papworth uses a 5 cup coffee maker for small parties. But he knows one cup coffee makers are more suitable for making his morning coffee.